Fulmer: UT paying a price for lack of loyalty

NEW YORK (WVLT) -- Almost two years after his ouster, former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer continues to speak out about the negative effect the coaching change has had on the Vols.

"Our school has probably paid a pretty big price financially and from a reputation standpoint with the transition [from Fulmer to Lane Kiffin]," Fulmer said in an interview with CBS College Sports, for whom he serves as an analyst.

"It doesn't make any sense, the cultural change that was tried," Fulmer said. "We have a lot of great things at Tennessee. You don't have to go and flip it. It didn't work."

Fulmer added that he likes new Vols coach Derek Dooley and thinks he's "going to do fine." The UT legend's issue relates to the circumstances that led to his forced resignation following the 2008 season.

"I think from a personal standpoint or professional standpoint loyalty is very important," Fulmer said.

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by Jason
Location: jacksboro
on Aug 20, 2010 at 02:38 PM

I think they should have supported him more, instead of getting rid of him, fulmer cares about UT, I think that the new coach that we have will do the best that he can do. They need to get rid of Hamilton and fing someone who know's about sports, UT has the best fans, but at this point, everyone thinks of football program to be a joke, thank God for Bruce Pearl

Everyone has a bad season, especially when a handful of players are getting arrested and more concerned with parties then their future and the future of the team. Phil loved our team, and still does. As we all saw the tears in his eyes when he was forced to leave. When Kiffin left the vols after only 1 season, of which he didn't do anything for the team, Phil helped us look for a couch that would bring the Vols back. I look forward to Dooley's first season. Thanks Phil for the time you put in and what you continue to do for our team even after you had to leave. Now that is loyalty

When will we EVER here the last from this man. How dare he talk of loyalty, was he being loyal to his mentor when he stabbed him in the back to get the job to begin with. He is the reason this program is in such a mess now. I have lost all respect for this man with his continued desire to keep his name in the news on a daily basis. Shame on you Phil Fulmer and WVLT for propping up a coach that can't get a job anywhere else.

Remember Phil the juniors and seniors on this team, that isn't very good, are your players. You let the program slide down hill forcing Hamilton's hand. UT had to make the change just like it did when you stabbed Johnny Majors in the back while he was in the hospital. You do remember how you got the job don't you Phil?

I felt from the onset of the Fulmer "change" U.T. was making a dire mistake. I feel they should at least try to get him back. His loyalty is greater than the faculty I'm sure. Interestingly though.....They will watch U.T. Football sink before doing the right thing.

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